Slow motion replays are a standard feature of major live sports broadcasts, however the necessary SuperMo cameras are a substantial infrastructure cost. Until now, only the premier league broadcasters and production facilities could afford these cameras and replay systems within their OB vehicles. Now, Slomo.tv in partnership with Panasonic has developed a significantly lower cost, but equally sophisticated slow motion solution.

The game changing solution integrates Slomo.tv's new Simple RII 8-channel video recording and replay server with Panasonic's AK-HC5000 4X SuperMotion camera. This integrated system sets new standards in affordable slomo replays. The server is compact, lightweight (1U, 5.6 Kg.), easy to use and still offers highest 3G/HD/SD image quality.

Panasonic's AK-HC5000 studio camera enables 4x SuperMotion image capture, and can shoot HD images at 200/240 frames per second. This best in class camera is equipped with newly developed 2/3-type MOS sensors that produce high sensitivity and an excellent S/N ratio. There are also functions to improve the shooting experience; including HDR (HLG), enhanced shock less gain (-3 dB to 36 dB), a user gamma function, black gamma correction according to the pedestal setting, multi-step DNR and easy matrix adjustment.

In developing its Simple RII server, Slomo.tv has added a special mode in its replay systems for integration with high-end cameras, such as the Panasonic AK-HC5000 4X SuperMotion camera. This server-based system can record video in its native standard (1920 50p/60p or 50i/60i) with simultaneous replay of two clips with transition between them. Also, clip search and NLE marking is available during playback.

The Simple RII server can record up to 266 hours of 100MBit HD video. Also, it possesses three graphics outputs for GUI, Multiviewer and Game Analyzer functions. An intuitive user interface and control panel make the Somo.tv server easy to understand and operate, which is important when used during the most emotional charged sporting events, where on air operations are mission critical and any down-time spells disaster.

Already, this elegant slow motion solution has been fully tested and commissioned by Russian sports broadcaster, TVSTART. It has been used to provide super slow motion replay facilities on a broad spectrum of live broadcasts including the European Football matches, KHL Hockey League, Basketball, Volleyball and Handball events across Europe.

"Our first test of the Panasonic AK-HC5000 with Slomo.tv's new Simple RII server was during the Euro Cup Handball qualification and it fully convinced us that this combination is very well matched to our needs despite its modest price," explained the Chief Producer of TVSTART, Vladimir Shirokov. "It gives us the flexibility we need for live sports broadcasting. It leads us to buy more Panasonic gear and we will employ Slomo.tv servers, which we have used for many years."

At NAB, Slomo.tv engineers and users will share their unique experience of this system implementation.